R/C Naval Combat

I came back from Nats with a Strike Models solenoid from the give-away table. I had to wait until September to give it a try in a battle but finally got my chance.

I sat it side by side with my Kip solenoid and noticed the obvious, the strike models solenoid is larger overall. The weight is only slightly more as I had to use a brass reducer for the output port (they now have plastic reducers) and with the new reducer probably the same.

I use parker 1/4 hose and push-quick fitting so I had all the parts I needed to put this together. The input port is 1/8 npt so I just screwed on of those fittings in. I didnt have to worry about using tape as the parker fittings have the sealant applied to the threads.

I worked at fitting the solenoid into the ship and finally found the right spot. I have not used a accumulator tank on my bow for the kip and dint for the Strike solenoid.

Internally the plunger looked very much like the kip plunger, making me wonder if they are inter-changeable. Maintenance should be as easy as with the kips perhaps even easier.

Overall the performance was no different from the kip as far as I can tell. In fact I forgot all about the solenoid during the battle until I got home, I had forgotten to think about it and evaluate it. I take that as a good sign. I would like to do test firing back to back by switching between the solenoids to see how each one affects the tweak of the gun but haven't had time. I would lean towards the one that would allow the harder tweak of course. I will have to let you know later.

Overall I was very pleased with its performance and would use it in the future.

Thanks,

Johnny

Here is a link to the Strike Models page for the solenoid: www.strikemodels.com/products/tanks-and-regulators/

Here is a picture of the solenoid mounted in the ship.

Here is a picture of the solenoid from the Strike Models website:

What's the purpose of  an internal flyback diode?

After solenoid valves activates, immediately after the supply voltage drops, there is a voltage spike that can seriously damage other components in the circuit. The diode prevents this.

For a more techie explination: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flyback_diode#Working_Principle

I think the solenoids from strike are for irrigation thay look alot a like
http://www.klsupplies.com/images/irrigation/solenoid.jpg
 

I have not yet tested below 6 volts. Good call. I'll find out just how low the voltage can go with acceptable response times for the 1/16" and 3/32".

Stephen Morgret

Strike Models

   With some creative battery stacking, I have some good data on what voltage the 1/16" orifice solenoid will fire. The voltages listed are for batteries not under load (I can only test one thing at a time), but it is realistic to what you can actually test for at the pond.

   At 160 psi and 5.27 volts, everything fires nicely. At 160 psi and 5.08 volts, the solenoid opens slowly (not acceptable). Also at 5.08 volts but at 150 psi, the valve opens nice and fast. The valve does not open at all at 150 psi and 4.47 volts. The gauge used is 0-300 psi and calibrated to +/- 1% full scale.

   I'll be testing the 3/32" orifice one as soon as I can.

Stephen Morgret

Strike Models